Four Men At A Communion Table

In an upper room around a table in the city of Jerusalem, we see Jesus and the apostles. First communion table in history. First table a prophecy: a memorial. First table that looked to Calvary. The table today looks backward to the same cross.

The most solemn and sacred place on earth without question is the communion table of Christ. Paul exhorted, “Examine yourselves” before you approach the table. At the first communion table were four men, single out from among others. There was a secret involved with them and not the others.

I. First Man had a Secret. His Name was Judas.

1. Outwardly a friend of Jesus, inwardly an enemy.

2. Greatest betrayal in all history about to take place.

3. The secret was unknown to the others.

4. Men usually slip secretly before they fall openly.

a. Unknown to Pastor.

b. Unknown to spouse.

c. Unknown to family.

d. Unknown to friends.

5. Judas betrayed Christ while busy for Him.

a. Treasurer, handling the money.

b. Possible to wander from Him while working for Him.

c. Can be working for God and not walking with Him.

d. Judas an unregenerate man, “Son of perdition.”

e. Father of unconverted church members.

II. The Second Man Wanted to Know the Secret. His Name was Peter.

1. Ready for self-examination. And Lord’s examination.

2. Many prefer preachers who entertain rather than expose our sins.

3. Man asked were you preaching at me?

4. Preachers are to preach to people who are before them.

5. Peter willing to get knowledge second hand, verse 24.

6. No one can do your praying for you.

7. Lots of talk about how God has used others, 1 Peter 3:15.

III. The Third Man Discovered the Secret. His Name was John.

1. One closest to Christ gains the most knowledge.

2. God’s secrets are revealed to those who are familiar with His presence and live nearest to His heart.

3. Speak Lord, thy servant heareth.

4. Listening to God is a lost art. It needs rediscovering.

5. When we pray, we must be ready to meet God’s demands.

a. Faith

b. Patience

6. Most people’s prayers is sort of playing with God.

7. Moses knew why?

8. Israel looked on Psalm 103:7

9. God’s secrets are for those who live nearest to Him.

IV. The Fourth Man knew the Secret all the Time. His Name was Jesus.

1. John 2:24

2. Psalm 139

3. A solemn and sobering thought for the disciple who is entertaining sin in his life and walk in disobedience.

4. In verse 21, how secret sin make Jesus feel.

5. Psalm 19:12

6. Psalm 90:8